Master of Science in Astronomy

Astronomy and related fields are at the forefront of science and technology; answering fundamental questions and driving innovation.  The study of astronomy contributes to technology, economy and society by constantly pushing for instruments, processes and software that are beyond our current capabilities.  Students who successfully complete this program will demonstrate mastery of graduate-level courses covering a relevant selection of core fields of Physics, including Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, or Statistical Physics. demonstrate mastery of modern topics in astronomy or astrophysics through coursework. demonstrate knowledge and research skills in astronomy or astrophysics through completion of a project or thesis. clearly communicate their ideas and results to general and specialized audiences, both orally and in writing. RPI has State-of-the art equipment for graduate students’ experimental research in optics and condensed matter physics is provided in the physics department such us  optical, electronic, and cryogenic instruments, surface science techniques and materials growth equipment. Rensselaer research in particle astrophysics is involved in one of the leading experiments that could detect neutrinoless double beta decay, the nEXO experiment at SNOLAB in Canada.

Career Path

Career path includes Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Planetary Scientist, Cosmologist, Satellite Data Analyst, Theoretical Astronomer, Observational Astronomer, Space Scientist, Aerospace Engineer, Climate Analyst, Astrobiologist, Telescope Technician, Space Mission Analyst, Research Scientist (Astronomy), Astronomy Software Developer, Academic Lecturer (Astronomy), Science Communicator, Meteorologist, Space Policy Advisor, Data Analyst (Astronomical Data), Space Instrumentation Engineer, Public Outreach Coordinator (Observatories), Space Technology Transfer Officer, Space Simulation Specialist, Orbital Mechanics Analyst, Remote Sensing Specialist, Astronomy Content Creator, Observatory Manager, Radio Astronomer, Space Weather Analyst, Stellar Dynamics Researcher.